Luongo stands tall in 2-0 win over Chicago

VANCOUVER , BRITISH COLUMBIA – All the talk prior to the game was will Roberto Luongo finally show up on the big stage and will Vancouver ever figure out Chicago in the playoffs.   If you answer the question after Game 1, yes would be the answer for both questions as Vancouver rolled to a 2-0 victory, behind 32 saves from Luongo.
 
The teams met for the third straight season in the Western Conference playoffs, but this time look far different than the first two.   The Blackhawks made a habit of putting traffic in front of the net to bother Luongo, but on Wednesday night the Blackhawks caused no havoc for the veteran goalie.
 
Neither team wasted any time reacquainting themselves.   Vancouver came out shooting with five shots in the first four minutes, while Chicago hit every blue jersey they could.
 
All the early pressure in the offensive zone turned into an early goal for the home team.  
 
Chris Higgins redirected a Ryan Kesler shot 7:03 into the contest.   Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford had no chance as Higgins got his stick on the long slap shot.
 
The Canucks kept the pressure on as the Hawks turned the puck over.   A Jannik Hansen wrist shot beat Crawford’s glove and sent the Rogers Arena crowd into a frenzy halfway through the opening period.
 
The home crowd almost came to their feet for a third time when Mikael Samuelsson ripped a shot off the crossbar.  
 
Chicago found themselves chasing the speedy Canucks again, eventually causing an interference call against defenseman Brent Seabrook.   Luckily for Hawks backers, they were able to kill off the penalty and remain down a pair.
 
The Blackhawks had a chance early in the second period to get back into the game.   Patrick Kane’s shot hit both posts on his power play chance, and that was the closest the Hawks could come with the man advantage.
 
Luongo made some of his best saves throughout the middle period.   Chicago threw a three minute barrage at him late in the second period, but the Vancouver net minder stood tall with 15 middle period saves.
 
The Canucks finished the regular season with the league’s second best power play, and they showed why in the third period.   Chicago had a chance to cut the lead in half with a third period man advantage, but was only able to muster one harmless shot.
 
Vancouver was content with their two-goal lead and played a defensive mind game the rest of the way.   Chicago moved the puck throughout the offensive zone, but never found the back of the net.
 
The teams will be back on Vancouver’s ice Friday for Game 2 in the best-of-seven Western Conference Quarterfinals.   The puck drops at 7 p.m. PDT and becomes a must win for the defending Stanley Cup champions.
 
Contact Adam.Minnick@prohockeynews.com